It’s vital for individuals who are HIV positive to take the necessary precautions during pregnancy to ensure the safety and well-being of both themselves and their baby.
Here are some helpful tips to follow that can make a significant difference
(i) Discovering that you are pregnant is an exciting and life-changing moment. Taking the best care of yourself and the baby is important. That’s why attending Antenatal Care (ANC) is crucial.
Schedule your ANC appointment to ensure that you and your baby get the best care possible.
(ii) By taking your antiretroviral (ARV) medication exactly as prescribed every single day, you are taking control of your health and ensuring that you live your best life.
Your healthcare provider has prescribed this medication specifically for you, so it’s crucial that you follow their instructions closely for the best possible outcomes.
Remember, taking your ARV medication daily is the key to managing your condition and staying healthy.
(iii) Using a weekly or monthly pill box with compartments for each day can greatly improve your medication routine. It’s a simple yet effective tool that helps ensure you never miss a dose, giving you peace of mind and improving your overall health. Give it a try today!
(iv) Don’t forget to set a daily alarm on your phone, watch, or clock for when it’s time to take your HIV medication. It’s an easy and effective way to ensure you never miss a dose.
(v) Maintaining a low viral load is essential for pregnant women living with the virus, as an undetected viral load significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to their unborn baby.
This is because a high viral load during pregnancy can increase the chances of transmitting HIV to the baby during birth or breastfeeding.
It is therefore important for pregnant women living with the virus to work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor and manage their viral loads to ensure the best possible outcomes for themselves and their babies.
(vi) Maintaining good health is crucial, and one way to do that is by taking your vitamins regularly and ensuring a well-balanced diet. Remember, a healthy body leads to a happier life!
(vii) It is absolutely imperative that the baby be delivered in a hospital and receive prophylaxis to prevent any transmission from the mother during delivery and breastfeeding.
(viii) Providing exclusive breast milk to your newborn for their first six months is crucial for their growth and development.
Breast milk is packed with essential nutrients and antibodies that will boost your baby’s immune system and protect them from illnesses.
It’s the best gift you can give to your little one for a healthy start in life.
Registered Nurse at the Ministry of Health and Social Services – Namibia.
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